The age old question....should my next bike be a cross or touring bike?

[Jolt]

You might find that a Surly LHT will be a good fit...I am about your height and ride a 46 cm but I do have longish arms and legs so YMMV. 26" wheels so no toe overlap problems, especially important for a bike that ought to have fenders put on. The Salsa Vaya sounds like it has a lot of the same advantages and might have more standover clearance if this is an issue. Somebody mentioned the Bianchi Volpe which is another nice bike that comes in sizes down to 46 cm...700c wheels but I didn't notice major toe overlap when I test rode one. Enjoy the search!

[mzone]

You will probably be just fine splitting the load between the two of you with the two panniers, and the trailer is a bonus. For me as a solo traveller, a tent, stove, food, clothes, sleeping bag and pad, rain gear, etc. takes me up to four panniers.

Check the specs on the racks you plan to use. Many have weight ratings. Check out the Adventure Bike Touring Society site and also the blogs on crazyguyonabike.com for gear reviews and route ideas.